NUR 111: PROCEDURAL GUIDELINE: WHEELCHAIR TRANSFER TECHNIQUES

PROCEDURAL GUIDELINE 9-1: WHEELCHAIR TRANSFER TECHNIQUE Transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair encompasses many of the same principles discussed in SKILL 9-1. The following procedural guideline focuses on the safety precautions that need to be considered when using a wheelchair. Several additional steps must be taken to maintain safety of a patient and a nurse to prevent injury when transferring from or to a wheelchair. Check wheelchair locks and footplates for proper functioning before use.

WHEELCHAIR TRANSFER TECHNIQUE 1. Transferring patient from a wheelchair to bed (patient is cooperative and weight bearing. A. Adjust the height of the bed to the level of the seat of the wheelchair. B. Position wheelchair at a 45-degree angle next to the bed. C. Face the wheelchair toward the foot of the bed midway between the head and the foot of the bed. D. Lock the wheelchair. Locks are located above the rims of the wheels. Push handles forward to lock. E. Raise the footplates F. Place transfer belt on the patient G. Assist the patient to move to the front of the wheelchair.

WHEELCHAIR TRANSFER TECHNIQUE – CONT’D H. Position yourself slightly in front of the patient to guard and protect them throughout the transfer. If the patient has sufficient upper body strength, use a slide board during the transfer. I. Coordinate transfer to bed by having the patient stand and then pivot to the side of the bed. Then have the patient sit on the side of the mattress. J. With the patient sitting on the side of the bed, place your arm nearest to the head of the bed under the patient’s shoulder while supporting the head and neck. Place your other arm under the patient’s knees. Bend your knees and keep your back straight. K. Tell the patient to help lift their legs, when you begin to move. On a count of three, standing with a wide base of support, raise the patient’s legs as you pivot their body and lower their shoulders onto the bed. Remember to keep your back straight.

WHEELCHAIR TRANSFER TECHNIQUE 2. Transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair: A. Adjust the height of the bed to the level of the seat of the wheelchair. B. Position the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle next to the same side of the bed as the patient’s strong side. C. Face the wheelchair toward the foot of the bed midway between the head and foot of the bed. D. Lock the wheelchair. Locks are located above the rims of the wheels. Push handle forward to lock. E. Raise the footplates. F. Sit patient on the side of the bed. G. Place transfer belt on the patient

WHEELCHAIR TRANSFER TECHNIQUE – CONT’D H. Assist patient to move to the edge of the mattress. I. Position yourself slightly in front of the patient to guard and protect them throughout the transfer. J. Coordinate transfer to chair with patient by counting to three. K. Lower the footplates after the transfer and place patient’s feet on them. L. Unlock the wheelchair. Pull lock toward you to release. 3. Monitor vital signs as needed. Ask if the patient feels dizzy or fatigues. 4. Note patient’s behavioral response to the transfer.

END OF SKILL –PROCEDURAL GUIDELINE 9-1 This is the end of your skill Your book has not provided a video of this for you to review. I have found a video on You-Tube to review and here is the link: TRANSFER FROM BED TO WHEELCHAIR: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBVqxwggZ3U Again, this is the best video that I found, but please remember that your school has not provided this for you, I have and, as such, it may not follow the book 100%. My advice is to study your book and practice this skill, with each other in the nursing skills lab.